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June 29, 2007

Non-Traditional Teaching Jobs

I don't see myself as someone who will ever compete for a tenure-track job in a college or university, because the academic world is not for me. I've always sought out alternative teaching jobs, which I find more fulfilling.

If you're like me on this, then here's a list of possible places you can contact to offer a class (on just about anything, not just writing) of your own:

1) Public libraries

2) Recreation or Community Centers

3) Senior Centers (not just those where seniors live, but day care centers)

4) Extension or Continuing Ed Programs at local colleges and universities

5) Schools for the Arts (alternative high schools - even if you're not certified as a teacher, you can do it as
a substitute)

6) Local private schools and high schools sometimes have artist-in-residence programs (check with your
local or state arts council.

7) After school programs, summer programs (again, check with local colleges and high schools), teen
centers

8) Children and Talented Youth programs (Johns Hopkins has a great one, nationwide - online all year long,
residences for 9 weeks in the summer)

9) Mentoring programs for teens and kids (where adults are matched with a teen or child one on one)

10) Local arts non-profits or art collectives or art centers (they offer pottery, painting, yoga, etc., - do they
offer writing? If not, get in there!)

11) Local bookstores or coffeehouses

12) Your home (put an ad in your local paper or on Craig's List)

13) Your church, synagogue, or religious center

I hope I've given you some inspiring ideas here. Teaching in these kinds of environments is often more fun and rewarding as you reach a wider, more varied audience, with different outlooks, experiences, and levels of ability. If you're pulling in your students from the School of Life, there will be a lot more to work with. People often can't afford (financially or in terms of time) to go back to school for a degree, but they still have a passion for writing and want to learn and develop their skills. I have found many, many fantastic writers in the places I listed - from 13 years old to 75 years old, and my own creative life is much richer for it!